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South Carolina licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Applicants generally complete a qualifying graduate degree, accrue post-degree supervised clinical experience, and pass a national examination. Verify current education, supervised-experience, examination, renewal, and continuing education requirements directly with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPC, MFT, Addiction Counselors and PES.
A master's, specialist's, or doctoral degree of at least 60 graduate semester hours primarily in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program (or one meeting substantially similar standards), including required counseling coursework and practicum. Verify current requirements with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPCs.
A national examination administered by NBCC — the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Verify current requirements with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPCs.
At least 1,500 hours of post-master's clinical experience, including at least 1,380 hours of documented direct client contact and at least 120 hours of supervision (minimum 60 individual/triadic), over no fewer than two years. Verify current requirements with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPCs.
South Carolina participates in the Counseling Compact. It was enacted via S.610 (Act No. 189, 2024); confirm whether compact privileges are yet being issued. License portability is also available by endorsement. Verify current requirements with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPCs.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for LPC, MFT, Addiction Counselors and PES.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in South Carolina. Each links to its own full state guide — always verify current requirements with the relevant official board.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Counselor licensing laws, board rules, education and supervised-experience requirements, examinations, and renewal requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state counseling licensing board or applicable regulatory agency.